If you travel to the US on a Global Entry Card and run into frequent issues at security and immigration, you may benefit from a Redress Control Number. Being stopped for extra screening every time you’re rushing to get on your flight can be extremely frustrating, especially if it’s because you’ve been mistaken for someone else.
A Redress Control Number (RCN) allows airlines and security systems to recognize you correctly, eliminating those identity mixups. This Remitly guide walks you through what a redress number is, why you might need one, how to apply, and how to link it to your Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account so your future trips feel more predictable.
What is a redress number?
A Redress Control Number is a unique seven-digit identifier issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through its Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). It helps make sure you’re not mistaken for someone else at security.
If your name is similar to someone on a government watch list, or if you’ve experienced ongoing issues like secondary screenings, you may be able to submit a redress case. A redress number helps authorities distinguish you from other travelers with similar information.
A redress number can help in situations like:
- Repeated secondary screening: If you are pulled aside for extra questioning on almost every trip, despite traveling frequently and following the same routine.
- Trouble receiving boarding passes: If you often can’t check in online or at a kiosk, or if your boarding passes are stamped with SSSS (Secondary Security Screening Selection) often, it may signal a misidentification issue.
- Name similarities: Even small spelling similarities or shared dates of birth can trigger false matches with watch list records.
- Name changes: If you’ve changed your name, you may sometimes be misidentified if older information remains in government systems.
- Inconsistent travel records: Past visas, stamps, or incomplete entries can trigger additional checks.
In short, a redress number works as a verification tool telling the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other agencies that you are not a high-risk traveler.
Who needs a redress number?
You might wonder if you really need a redress number. Most travelers don’t, and that’s completely normal. If you’ve never been repeatedly flagged, denied boarding, or sent through extra security screenings, you likely won’t need one. It’s designed for people who face the same repeated problems over multiple trips.
You may want to apply for a redress number if you frequently face additional security screening when flying to or from the US, even when using Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Another common reason to apply is if you’ve regularly had difficulty printing boarding passes or checking in online across multiple international trips. Lastly, if you’ve ever been told by airlines or security staff that your name matches someone on a watch list, this is a major indicator to open a redress case.
Why misidentification happens
Travel security systems have huge databases to keep travelers safe, but sometimes they flag the wrong person.
Here are a few reasons misidentification happens:
- Common or shared names: Names like Mohammed, Ana Maria, Juan Hernandez, or John Smith appear frequently in travel systems worldwide.
- Incomplete or inconsistent records: If your previous passport number, name, or travel documents don’t match exactly, it can trigger alerts.
- Dual nationality: If you have dual citizenship and use different passports in different countries, you may appear under more than one identity in international systems.
- Complex immigration or visa history: Refugees, naturalized citizens, or people with long-term visas may see more checks as systems review detailed travel histories.
- Past travel patterns: Sometimes, frequent travel to certain regions triggers extra checks.
A redress number helps clear up these discrepancies so future travel feels more predictable and less stressful.
Redress Control Number vs. Known Traveler Number
It’s common to confuse a Redress Control Number with a Known Traveler Number (KTN) because both relate to air travel. However, they serve different purposes.
A KTN gives you access to speedy security lanes like TSA PreCheck, while a redress number helps fix recurring identification problems. You might have one, both, or neither, depending on your situation.
| Feature | Redress Control Number | Known Traveler Number |
| Purpose | Resolves misidentification issues | Provides access to expedited screening lanes like TSA PreCheck |
| Issuing agency | DHS via DHS TRIP | TSA/CBP (via Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS) |
| Format | 7 digits | 9 digits |
| Who needs it | Only for travelers experiencing repeated screening issues | Members of Trusted Traveler Programs |
This distinction is important because it explains why you’ll never find a redress number on a Global Entry card—they come from two separate programs.
How to find your redress number
If you already applied for a redress number in the past, you may be looking for it now and wondering whether it’s printed on your Global Entry card. It’s not.
Unlike your KTN, which is printed as your PASSID on the back of the card, the RCN does not appear automatically. Because a redress number is issued separately by DHS, you’ll have to take additional steps to add it to your Global Entry card (more on that later).
After applying, DHS sends your redress number to you via email or postal mail. It’s helpful to search your inbox for terms like “DHS TRIP,” “Redress Control Number,” or “Department of Homeland Security.” Be sure to check your spam, promotions, and archive folders as well.
If you can’t locate it, don’t worry. The easiest option is to apply for a new one. DHS doesn’t penalize travelers for submitting a second application.
How to apply for a redress number
Anyone experiencing ongoing misidentification issues can apply for a redress number through DHS TRIP. The process is free, online, and typically takes a few weeks. Here’s a simple guide to help you through it.
- Visit the DHS TRIP website: Go to the official DHS TRIP online portal. This is the only official place to request a redress number.
- Complete the application: Fill in personal details like your full name, date of birth, and contact information. You’ll also be asked to provide travel history details and explain any travel-related issues you’ve experienced, such as repeated screenings, denied boarding, or watch list alerts.
- Upload identification documents: You’ll need to upload clear copies of identification documents, including your passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued IDs.
- Upload additional supporting documents: You should also include any documentation that helps verify problems you’ve had on past trips, such as old passports, visa stamps, and screenshots or documents showing travel issues.
- Submit your application: Make sure your travel history is as accurate and complete as possible. Double-check for completeness and save copies of everything before submitting.
- Wait for DHS review: DHS will review your case and issue a redress number if your application is approved. Processing times vary, so applying well before any major trips can help avoid last-minute stress.
Note: Applying for a redress number doesn’t require you to be enrolled in Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or any other trusted traveler program. It’s available to any traveler who experiences repeated misidentification issues.
Adding your redress number to your Global Entry profile
Once DHS issues your redress number, you can add it to your TTP account. This ensures your redress number automatically connects to your future travel reservations.
Here’s how to add your redress number to your Global Entry profile:
- Log in to your TTP account: Go to the Trusted Traveler Program website and sign in with your login.gov credentials.
- Open your profile: Once you’re in your dashboard, go to Update Profile or Personal Information to access your account details. These options vary slightly depending on recent portal updates.
- Enter your redress number: Look for the specific field labeled Redress Number and type in your seven-digit number exactly as it appears in your DHS TRIP communication.
- Save your changes: After saving, your redress number becomes part of your travel profile.
How the redress number works during travel
Once your redress number is linked to your TTP profile, it is automatically used every time you travel. When you book a flight using your KTN, most airline systems automatically pull in your redress number as part of your passenger details.
If you’re booking online, you’ll usually see a specific field for it on the airline’s website, but if you’ve already saved it to your frequent flyer profile, it typically fills in on its own for future trips.
If you ever forget to add it while booking, don’t worry. Airline agents can still update your reservation at the airport during check-in.
Taking these small steps ensures your redress number consistently follows your reservations, helping reduce the chances of repeat screening issues and making your travel experience smoother over time.
Your travel profile, simplified
If you’ve dealt with repeated screenings, difficulty checking in, or boarding pass issues, a redress number may help. You won’t find the redress number on your Global Entry card, but applying for one through DHS TRIP and linking it to your TTP account can make a meaningful difference in how consistently you’re identified during future trips.
Taking a few minutes to apply and update your profile can help you travel with more confidence and fewer surprises along the way.
FAQs
Is a redress number the same as a Known Traveler Number?
No. A KTN gives you access to TSA PreCheck and expedited screening lanes. A redress number is used to resolve misidentification issues if you’re repeatedly flagged.
Do I need a redress number to use Global Entry?
Not usually. Most Global Entry members won’t need one unless they experience recurring screening problems.
How do I know if I need to apply for a redress number?
You may want to apply if you frequently face extra screenings, have trouble printing boarding passes, or are told your name matches someone on a watch list.
Where is the redress number on my Global Entry card?
It’s not printed on the card. You receive it separately from DHS after applying through the TRIP program, and you can then add it to your TTP profile.
How do I add my redress number to my TTP account?
Log in to your TTP dashboard, update your profile, locate the “Redress Number” field, enter the number, and save the changes.